The microbiota associating with three different transmucosal implant designs

Abstract

Objective To investigate the putative pathogenic bacteria, Porphyromonas gingivalis (Pg), Treponema denticola (Td), or Tanerella forsythia (Tf ), associating with implant-supported dental prostheses using differential transmucosal designs. Methodology Forty-five partially edentulous patients who received implant-supported fixed partial prostheses were randomly selected and categorized into three groups based on the transmucosal implant-abutment connections, including the platform-matching abutments (n = 15), platform-switching abutments (n = 15), and tissue-level dental implants (n = 15). To obtain subgingival bacterial samples, four paper points were inserted under light pressure in healthy peri-implant sulci, and DNA was extracted from the samples. Pg-, Td-, or Tf -specific DNA was detected by endpoint PCR. Results There was no statistically significant differences (P > 0.05) in the frequencies of the Pg, Tf, or Td associating with differential transmucosal designs under healthy conditions. However, the proportion of Tf associating with platform-matching abutments or platform-switching abutments was substantially higher than Pg or Td. The chi-square test showed significant differences (P < 0.05) in the frequencies of these bacteria in the groups restored with platform-matching abutments or platform-switching abutments, but not tissue-level dental implants. Conclusion periodontal pathogens are part of the normal resident microbiota and may be found at healthy peri-implant sites.